The British magazine Time Out included two Brazilian neighborhoods in its ranking of the planet's most contemporary places. Laranjeiras, located in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, reached 17th place, while República, situated in the center of São Paulo, is ranked 25th. This ranking, released this Wednesday (16th), features a total of 40 neighborhoods considered the most stylish of the moment.
Annually, the publication selects areas that stand out for the combination of good gastronomy, active nightlife, diverse local commerce, high quality of life, and a strong sense of community. The selection is based on suggestions from the Time Out editorial team, which closely monitors the urban dynamics of its cities.
In the 2025 ranking, the chosen Brazilian representative was Barra Funda, which secured third place. Regarding the neighborhoods selected for 2026, Time Out characterized Laranjeiras as one of the most charming and cultural spots in Rio.
The South Zone neighborhood has several historical identities. Its name dates back to the period when the area was covered by vast orange groves next to the Carioca River. Later, it became home to aristocratic families, leaving behind mansions and attractions such as Guinle Park, which is surrounded by beautiful modernist buildings.
After this period, the region developed an industrial profile focused on textile production. Currently, what attracts attention is the coexistence of these distinct phases: there are tree-lined streets, old buildings, bars integrated into local routines, green areas, and a cultural agenda that has gained new points in recent years.
For those seeking more green areas, Guinle Park serves as a refuge within the neighborhood. This area was once the residence of Eduardo Guinle and currently houses the Laranjeiras Palace and a residential complex. The palace project is linked to Lúcio Costa's modern architecture, and its gardens were renovated by Burle Marx.
In the central area of São Paulo, República ranks 25th among the world's most modern neighborhoods. Time Out's choice is due to the fusion of defining elements of the region, where skyscrapers and centuries-old buildings coexist with restaurants, galleries, cultural spaces, and bars that have given new functions to already known places in the city.
A notable example is the Copan Building, a large residential complex designed by Oscar Niemeyer, which has become an icon of the São Paulo landscape. On the ground floor, modernist architecture shares space with cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and galleries. Highlights pointed out by Time Out include Bar da Dona Onça, Megafauna bookstore, and Pivô gallery.
The gastronomic scene extends through the neighborhood's streets, with places like A Casa do Porco, by Jefferson Rueda, also praised by Time Out. In the Edifício Itália, another landmark in the area, there is a dining area on the rooftop with a panoramic view of the city.
The cultural dimension is manifested in various points of República, from the centenary Municipal Theater to the Mário de Andrade Library. Another emblematic spot is the Galeria do Rock, opened in 1963, known for its stores focused on music, fashion, and various expressions of urban culture.
In the heart of the neighborhood, Praça da República concentrates part of daily life. Being one of the few green areas in the center, it hosts the traditional República Fair on Saturdays and Sundays, an event held since 1956, offering handicrafts and food. The square is also close to places that narrate the region's history, such as Cine Marabá, inaugurated in 1944.
At nightfall, Bar dos Arcos occupies the basement of the Municipal Theater, which is opposite Formosa Hi-Fi, while Cordial is cited as one of the bars that enliven the region.
At the top of the 2026 list, Jongno 3-ga, in Seoul, South Korea, led the podium. The neighborhood gained a new nocturnal dynamism with the 'pochas', food stalls that began attracting young people to its streets late in the afternoon. Simultaneously, Seosulla-gil street concentrates artisanal jewelry stores and bars in a calmer area.
In second place is L’Ocean District, in Rabat, Morocco. This coastal area combines a Four Seasons hotel with independent commerce. With a boardwalk lined with palm trees, beaches, cafes, street art, and cultural centers, the neighborhood is undergoing a revitalization that strengthens its creative identity and its role as a meeting point.
Neos Kosmos
Neos Kosmos, in Athens, Greece, completed the podium. Time Out describes this neighborhood as one of the liveliest areas in the city, full of traditional taverns and new restaurants of interest.
